Sad to say - but I have to draw attention to people being scammed by mortgage rescue schemes. Enter Tom Pool at the California Department of Real Estate (dre.ca.gov) whose office has issued a Consumer Alert to help Spanish-speaking consumers avoid falling victim to foreclosure rescue scams.

Pool's partner in crime solving, DRE Chief Counsel Wayne Belland says the typical scam involves the promise of a loan modification or other mortgage or foreclosure relief in exchange for an upfront fee, but once the fee is paid little or nothing is done to help the homeowner.

The warning provides these tips so homeowners can avoid mortgage relief scams:

Watch out for promises of guaranteed success. An ad on the television or radio, or in a newspaper, magazine or on the Internet, does not mean that what is advertised is lawful or truthful. No one can promise that a loan modification or other relief plan will be successful.Do not place your trust in someone just because he or she speaks Spanish or may share the same or a similar background. A scammer will use a similar background and language to convince you to part with your money and/or property.Never pay an upfront fee for loan modification services- they are illegal.Never pay in cash, or wire cash to anyone who offers you home loan relief. With extremely limited exceptions, cash payments, and cash that has been wired, cannot be recovered.Never transfer or sign your home over to any third party or anyone else who claims that such a transfer can or will help you repair your credit or keep you in your home. And do not make your home loan payments to anyone except your lender.

While the information comes out of Cali, it's mostly wise advice that can be applied anywhere in the nation. No matter where you live, get personalized advice on mortgage scams or the risks tied to your mortgage at no charge to you - by calling 1-888-995-HOPE, or online at www.hopenow.com.